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This Juneteenth, It’s More Important Than Ever to Support Black Coloradans 1024 576 Sachs Foundation

This Juneteenth, It’s More Important Than Ever to Support Black Coloradans

If Juneteenth teaches us anything, it is that there is no singular moment of liberation – the fight for racial equity persists today. As we commemorate the historical legacy of Freedom Day and reflect on the ongoing struggle for racial equality and equity, it is crucial to recognize the systemic disparities that continue to affect Black Americans nationwide and in Colorado. The Sachs Foundation is dedicated to advancing racial equity for Black Coloradans, and recent statistics underscore why our mission is more critical than ever.

Nationally, Black Americans face significant economic, educational, and health disparities. The median household wealth for Black families is approximately $24,100, compared to $189,100 for white families (Federal Reserve). This stark contrast underscores the persistent wealth gap exacerbated by historical and systemic racism. Additionally, Black Americans are nearly twice as likely to be unemployed compared to white Americans, with an unemployment rate of 9.6% for Black workers versus 5.3% for white workers (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Educational inequality is also rampant, with Black students three times more likely to be suspended or expelled than their white counterparts, contributing to a wider achievement gap (U.S. Department of Education). Health disparities are equally alarming; Black mothers are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white mothers (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Moreover, the poverty rate for Black Americans stands at 19.5%, compared to 8.2% for white Americans (U.S. Census Bureau).

In Colorado, the racial equity landscape mirrors national trends. The median household income for Black families is significantly lower at approximately $47,000, compared to $82,000 for white families (U.S. Census Bureau). The unemployment rate for Black workers in Colorado is 9.1%, while it is 5.3% for white workers. Educational disparities are evident, with Black students being 2.5 times more likely to face suspension or expulsion (Colorado Department of Education). Health outcomes are also concerning, as Black mothers in Colorado experience a maternal mortality rate three times higher than that of white mothers (Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment). Furthermore, the poverty rate for Black Coloradans is 19.1%, compared to 8.3% for white residents (U.S. Census Bureau).

These disparities underscore the urgent need for targeted support and resources for Black Coloradans. The Sachs Foundation is committed to bridging these gaps through scholarships, educational programs, and teacher development initiatives. By investing in the future of Black students and addressing these systemic inequities, we can build a more just and equitable society.

Support the Sachs Foundation’s mission today to ensure that every Black Coloradan can thrive.

Learn more about ways to support the foundation’s work through donations or partnerships at sachsfoundation.org/donate or reaching out to Managing Director of Partnerships, Katie Parvin, at katie@sachsfoundation.org.

Sachs Foundation & Prosperity Denver Fund: Making College an Affordable Reality 1024 1024 Sachs Foundation

Sachs Foundation & Prosperity Denver Fund: Making College an Affordable Reality

Prosperity Denver Fund and the Sachs Foundation share a commitment to equity and opportunity for the communities of Colorado. Together, we are tackling systemic economic barriers and nurturing pathways to prosperity for Black Coloradans through educational opportunity and economic empowerment.

Since its inception in 2018, Prosperity Denver Fund has supported over 6,000 of Denver’s students to follow their dreams to college. The ordinance, a 0.08% sales tax distributed to scholarship organizations, increases the Foundation’s capacity to award scholarships and invests in the long-term success of Denver’s high school graduates.

At the core of the Sachs Foundation’s mission is a commitment to furthering racial equity for Black Coloradans through educational opportunity. Our partnership with Prosperity Denver Fund has allowed us to expand on this mission by providing additional resources and avenues for growth to our scholars.

“With the help of Prosperity Denver Fund, we are able to provide more scholars with increased awards and comprehensive support, including mental health services and emergency assistance. Our partnership makes higher education access more accessible and equitable.” – Ben Ralston, Chief Executive Officer, Sachs Foundation

Beginning in 2024, Prosperity Denver Fund is augmenting its impact by extending its support to organizations that fund college preparatory programs, enabling the Foundation to expand its Elevated program across Denver. The Elevated program provides mentorship, financial support, and educational access to 8th to 12th grade students and their families. The partnership between Prosperity Denver Fund and Sachs Foundation will now support Black students starting in 8th grade through graduate studies.

To make lasting change, we are partnering with mission-aligned organizations to foster dialogue and inspire collective action that remove barriers to post-secondary education attainment and generational wealth-building opportunities for the Black Coloradans. Together, we’re creating a future where education is accessible to all, and every student has the opportunity to thrive.

To learn more about Prosperity Denver Fund visit their website and join us in our mission to transform the racial equity landscape in Denver and unlock the full potential of Colorado’s youth.

Sachs Foundation’s $1.7 Million Grant Offers Hope Amid Affirmative Action Rollbacks for Black Students 200 200 Sachs Foundation
Sachs Foundation

Sachs Foundation’s $1.7 Million Grant Offers Hope Amid Affirmative Action Rollbacks for Black Students

Despite persistent obstacles and systemic inequalities amid Affirmative Action setbacks, the Colorado-based foundation celebrates the awarding of scholarships to 50 Black students

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., June 10, 2024 — The Sachs Foundation, an organization that has supported Black Coloradans since 1931, today announced it has awarded over $1.7 million in scholarships and aid to Black students in Colorado over the past year. This year’s 50 scholarship recipients and their academic achievements were recognized at the foundation’s Annual Celebration event this past weekend – a cause for celebration at a time when racial educational equity programs are being rolled back nationwide.

This substantial investment underscores the foundation’s commitment to supporting the educational opportunities of Black students. The role of organizations like the Sachs Foundation becomes more critical as policies to address the racial inequity in education are under attack nationwide.

“The success of this incredible group of scholars demonstrates the importance of investing in Black talent and excellence,” said Ben Ralston, CEO of the Sachs Foundation. “Our 93-year commitment to supporting Black students in Colorado has never been more important. We will continue to work to deconstruct traditional power structures, address the racial wealth gap, and empower our students to pursue their educational goals without the weight of historical inequities.”

Since Henry Sachs created the foundation in 1931, it has given more than $45 million and over 3,200 scholarships and has funded other educational and community programs to support Black Coloradans. In addition to undergraduate support, the Sachs Foundation provides graduate funding to remove financial barriers that limit opportunity for students pursuing leadership roles where Black professionals are historically underrepresented, such as medicine, law, education and international policy. Through its Sachs Elevated Program and Teacher Development Program, the foundation also funds youth mentoring and the training and recruitment of Black educators.

The Sachs Foundation Scholarship is open to Black Colorado residents each year from January 1 to March 15. The foundation encourages eligible students and their families to apply at sachsfoundation.org/#scholarships. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, financial need and character. Learn more about ways to support the foundation’s work through donations or partnerships at sachsfoundation.org/donate or reaching out to katie@sachsfoundation.org.

Pikes Peak College Access Partnership Stands Firm in Support of Educational Access for Colorado’s Underserved Students 1024 663 Sachs Foundation
Pikes Peak College Access Partnership

Pikes Peak College Access Partnership Stands Firm in Support of Educational Access for Colorado’s Underserved Students

Colorado Springs, May 29, 2024—In light of recent events surrounding the decision by the El Paso County Board of Commissioners to withhold funding from Peak Education, a member organization of the Pikes Peak College Access Partnership (PPCAP), we feel compelled to address the concerns raised and reaffirm our collective stance on supporting educational opportunity and economic empowerment for underserved students.

PPCAP was established in the Fall of 2021 to enhance college access and support for all students in the Pikes Peak region. Our partnership, comprised of a collective of eight educational nonprofit organizations, extends reach and impact beyond individual program boundaries to strengthen the college access and counseling network throughout the Pikes Peak region.

The Board of Commissioners’ decision to reduce Peak Education’s funding comes at the expense of students in need. It is important to clarify that our partnership does not endorse racism, as Commissioner Geitner suggested at a recent board meeting. Rather, we recognize the systemic inequalities within our current education system, provide a more robust college access safety net, and advocate for lawmakers to address the systemic barriers that disproportionately affect underserved youth.

The Pikes Peak College Access Partnership serves a diverse student population of 873 students and families, with a commitment to providing equal opportunities for all students. Many of the low-income students we serve consist of families from historically marginalized communities. Our collaborative efforts aim to support underserved students and promote positive educational outcomes for all. In doing this work, addressing historical injustices, and dismantling systemic barriers that impede underrepresented students’ access to higher education are essential for progress towards policies and systems that support educational equity.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to championing policies that acknowledge the ongoing effects of systemic racism in higher education access. We urge policymakers and stakeholders to reject regressive efforts that favor partisanship over community and to support collaborative efforts like ours that empower and uplift marginalized communities through positive educational outcomes and economic opportunity. Together, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape where college is accessible, attainable, and affordable for all students in the Pikes Peak region.

For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact us at (719) 633-2353 or email Anna Taniguchi, Director of External Relations, at anna@sachsfoundation.org.

Selecting 2024 Sachs Scholarship Recipients 1024 682 Sachs Foundation
Selecting the Class of 2024

Selecting 2024 Sachs Scholarship Recipients

Every April the Sachs Foundation comes together for the special privilege of selecting the next class of Sachs Foundation Scholars. Our flagship scholarship program, established 93 years ago, has supported thousands of Black Coloradans to pursue their educational dreams.

Our Scholarship Selection Committee of higher education admissions experts, mentors, counselors, scholar alumni, and staff convened in Colorado Springs to dive deep into the stories, talents, and contributions of our exceptional applicant pool. This year, the Selection Committee featured representatives from the University of Denver, University of Northern Colorado, Colorado College, and Colorado State University, with 50% of committee members identifying as a person of color.

The Scholar Selection Committee is designed to support diverse perspectives. Committee members also submit the most competitive applications for consideration of an additional award in the form of named scholarships. Our named scholarship recipients are announced at our Annual Scholar Celebration in June, and include the following:

  • The Effie Stroud Scholarship
    Awarded to the overall top applicant each year.
  • The Gertrude Lee Scholarship
    Awarded to the student that best exemplifies selflessness and service to their community.
  • The Dolphus Stroud Scholarship
    Awarded to the scholar that showcases the spirit of academics, athletics and, most importantly, perseverance.
  • The Morris A. Esmiol Scholarship
    Awarded to the student who has the most outstanding personal statement.
  • The Morris A Esmiol Jr. Scholarship
    Awarded to the applicant who has pursued STEM as a passion and want to continue studying STEM related topics in college.
  • The Carollo Family LEGPWR Scholarship
    Awarded to the applicant who excels in healthcare, STEM fields, or education.

$1.3 million will be awarded to 2024 Sachs Scholarship Recipients this June. We are honored to support and invest in the success of these exceptionally talented students throughout their educational journey and continue the Sachs Foundation mission dedicated to furthering racial equity for Black Coloradans.

Celebrating Black History Month with MENTOR Colorado 1024 1024 Sachs Foundation

Celebrating Black History Month with MENTOR Colorado

The Sachs Foundation is dedicated to sharing the stories of Black Coloradans year-round. This Black History Month, our Chief Operations Officer, Pamela, sat down with our partners at MENTOR Colorado to share insights on creating equitable and inclusive programming.

Black-History-Month-PDF-9_Final

The Sachs Foundation is a MENTOR Colorado Partner. We collaborate to make Colorado a place where everyone has the supportive relationships they need to grow, connect, and thrive.

Learn more about MENTOR Colorado
In Community – From the Carollos 1024 951 Sachs Foundation
Carollo Family

In Community – From the Carollos

Fueling multigenerational impact for Black Coloradans through The Bert and Mary Carollo LEGPWR Scholarship

Meet the Carollo Family

Colorado natives Bert and Mary Carollo made a transformational gift to the Sachs Foundation by establishing The Bert and Mary Carollo LEGPWR Endowed Scholarship in October of 2023. Their legacy gift is an incredible testament to the Carollo Family’s passion and dedication to ensuring a future of educational access and opportunity for Black scholars.

Living in Colorado for nearly their entire lives, Bert and Mary met at the University of Colorado Boulder and have dedicated their lives to helping others as healthcare providers (Bert is a diagnostic radiologist and educator and Mary, a physician’s assistant). Mary shares, “We’ve always enjoyed teaching and seeing students learn. We have no children, so our legacy is to help other people’s children have the opportunity to get an education.”

“We want to give students the opportunity to learn and have a successful career. We hope to help families that may be struggling to send their children to college.” – Bert Carollo

Bert and Mary were drawn to the Sachs Foundation because of our work to directly and holistically support and mentor Black scholars throughout their educational careers. For Bert, “It’s not just giving money – it’s about making sure Sachs Scholars progress, benefit from hands-on mentorship, and are given opportunities to succeed.”

The Carollo Family gift will support Sachs Scholars working to achieve a career in healthcare, STEM fields, or education. Interested applicants for the LEGPWR Scholarship can apply through our general application beginning January 1st, 2024.

Bert and Mary have committed a legacy gift in their estate plans to grant exceptional Sachs Foundation applicants with educational grants that support students to excel in a career in healthcare, STEM fields, or education.

Back to School 2023 Newsletter 791 1024 Sachs Foundation

Back to School 2023 Newsletter
Statement from the Sachs Foundation on the Supreme Court’s Decision to End Consideration of Race in College Admissions 200 200 Sachs Foundation
Sachs Foundation

Statement from the Sachs Foundation on the Supreme Court’s Decision to End Consideration of Race in College Admissions

The Sachs Foundation expresses profound disappointment in the recent Supreme Court decision to discontinue the use of race as a consideration in college admissions. This ruling disregards the longstanding marginalization of Black students within higher education. By eliminating the ability of universities to consider race as a tool for achieving a diverse and representative student body, this decision perpetuates the existing disparities in access for Black students.

Throughout history, Black students have faced significant obstacles and systemic inequalities in their pursuit of higher education. College admissions policies that take race into account have played a crucial role in addressing these disparities and working towards a more equitable and inclusive educational landscape. By acknowledging the unique challenges and experiences of Black students, universities have been able to provide opportunities for those who have historically been underrepresented in higher education.

The decision to remove race as a factor in college admissions fails to acknowledge the persistent barriers to access that Black students continue to confront. It undermines the importance of fostering a diverse student body, which enhances the educational experience for all students and prepares them for an increasingly interconnected society. Without the ability to consider race, universities will struggle to create a comprehensive representation of diverse perspectives, talents, and backgrounds, perpetuating the disparities in educational opportunities for Black students.

The Sachs Foundation firmly believes that equal access to quality education is a fundamental right, and that institutions of higher learning have a responsibility to address historical inequities and ensure fair opportunities for all. The Supreme Court’s decision to eliminate the consideration of race undermines these principles and widens the gap in educational attainment between different racial groups.

We urge policymakers, educators, and advocates to collaborate and explore alternative solutions that promote equal access to higher education for all students, particularly those who have faced historical marginalization. It is crucial that we continue to strive for a system that recognizes and values the diverse contributions that Black students bring to our academic institutions, and actively works to dismantle the barriers that hinder their progress.

The Sachs Foundation remains unwavering in its commitment to supporting and empowering Black scholars, recognizing their immense potential and the invaluable contributions they make to our society. We will continue to tirelessly pursue pathways to success and advocate for policies that foster equality, justice, and opportunity in higher education.

Sachs Foundation Bridges Educational Opportunity Gap for Black Students with Over $1.5 Million in Scholarships Awarded 1024 683 Sachs Foundation

Sachs Foundation Bridges Educational Opportunity Gap for Black Students with Over $1.5 Million in Scholarships Awarded

The Colorado-based Foundation Celebrates Black Student Achievements Over the Past Year; The Need to Help Black Americans Dismantle Systemic Barriers to Educational Equity Remains Acute

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., June 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The Sachs Foundation, an organization that has supported Black Coloradans since 1931, today announced it has awarded more than $1.5 million in scholarships to high-achieving Black students over the past year. Scholars were recognized in the foundation’s Scholar Awards and Celebration event this past weekend, with many set to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees from Colorado, out-of-state and top-tier educational institutions nationwide.

The new class of Sachs scholars’ academic achievements are cause for celebration at a time when racial equity programs are being rolled back nationwide despite research consistently highlighting the unique barriers that Black students face when pursuing higher-educational opportunities. A recent joint study by the Lumina Foundation and Gallup found Black student enrollment and college completion have declined precipitously over the past decade, with high costs and discrimination largely accounting for the persistent college opportunity gap.

Decades ago, the Sachs Foundation was created to help close the opportunity gap for Black Coloradans, and the organization’s mission remains just as vital today as it was over 90 years ago. This year’s 46 scholarship recipients will study at renowned institutions like Stanford University, Yale University, Cornell University, the University of Chicago and Johns Hopkins University as well as at prestigious historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) like Howard University and Spelman College. Many 2023 scholarship recipients plan to stay closer to home, pursuing degrees at colleges and universities across Colorado.

“Our Sachs Foundation scholars are incredibly accomplished, not only academically, but in the positive contributions they make to their communities,” said Ben Ralston, President of the Sachs Foundation. “We’re proud to support these outstanding Coloradans in their studies, and to advocate for Black students across the country, who due to lingering systemic inequity, have the lowest six-year college completion rate of any racial or ethnic group, and still trail white counterparts in degree attainment by 12 percent.”

The Sachs Foundation goes beyond supporting scholars during their undergraduate careers. This year’s awards include over $300k for scholars to pursue graduate degrees in areas of study such as law, medicine, policy and business administration, thrusting them into leadership roles in prestigious careers – places where Black professionals are historically marginalized and underrepresented.

“On average, Black college graduates leave campus with $25k more in student debt and earn on average 15 percent less than their white peers,” Ralston said. “We’ve seen this gap persist across generations, with the problem not just limited to Colorado students. We need more organizations and resources across the country who are committed to educational equity.”

Since Pikes Peak resident Henry Sachs created the foundation in 1931, the organization has given more than $45 million to support educational and community programs that benefit Black Coloradans, including over 3,200 scholarships. Sachs was inspired to launch the foundation by his friendship with the Stroud family, whose personal experience with racial discrimination gave Sachs insight into the challenges Black Americans face. Colorado Springs High School student, Dolphus Stroud, received the first Sachs Foundation scholarship.

Black Colorado residents can submit applications for a Sachs Foundation scholarship each year from January 1 to March 15, and the foundation encourages eligible students and their families to apply at www.sachsfoundation.org/#scholarships. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, financial need and character. Learn more about ways to support the foundation’s work through donations or partnerships at www.sachsfoundation.org/donate.

About the Sachs Foundation

Founded by Pikes Peak resident Henry Sachs in 1931, the Sachs Foundation provides programming designed to help Black Coloradans overcome systemic inequity and reach their full potential. Over the decades, the Foundation has helped thousands of talented Black students pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees at universities throughout the United States, supported Black youth through mentoring programs and developed recruitment and retention programs to place more Black educators in Colorado classrooms. Learn more about the Sachs Foundation, student success stories and how to apply for scholarship grants at www.sachsfoundation.org.

CONTACT: sachs@nextpr.com

SOURCE Sachs Foundation